Shock of 6,000 young carers

AT LEAST 6,000 youngsters in Rochdale are missing out on a childhood because they have to care for family members, shock figures have revealed. Thousands of primary school children in the borough are forced to cook, clean, nurse and carry out other chores for sick parents and relatives.

AT LEAST 6,000 youngsters in Rochdale are missing out on a childhood because they have to care for family members, shock figures have revealed.

Thousands of primary school children in the borough are forced to cook, clean, nurse and carry out other chores for sick parents and relatives.

But Rochdale Council has admitted it only has the staff and funding to support 90 child carers.

The figures were revealed as charity Action for Children in the North launched a campaign calling for new laws to make it compulsory for councils to support young carers.

Tom Moore, from the charity, warned the children faced isolation, bullying and exam failure, with a quarter of young carers leaving school with no GCSEs. He said: "It’s very difficult for councils to ascertain the number of young carers. But it shouldn’t be.

"The biggest reason why we don’t know about the figures is that there’s no reason for young carers to tell anyone. They won’t receive any help.

"They are the hidden and long-serving helpers. Quite often they’ve lost a sizeable chunk of their childhood through caring."

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, cabinet member for social care, said: "Of course, a child’s education is paramount and we cannot afford to see children lose out on schooling through what is often a difficult situation.

"Rochdale has recognised this as a problem, that is why there is a specific programme to provide special support.

"But there has to be an acknowledgement that the level of need far outstrips the current levels of support on offer.

"We have an excellent network of carers organisations and a carers resource centre that also aims to support young carers.

"I think the council should look at ensuring that through the schools system young carers are recognised early and directed to these carers groups, so that the support and advice on offer can be provided at a point before the child’s education is blighted irrevocably."

Jacqui Greenfield, operational manager for the charity Family Action Rochdale, said: "Demand is high for our services, but we are well resourced and work closely with the council.

"It’s always difficult to identify young carers, some don’t even see themselves as carers, so part of our job is to promote the services and support we offer, too."

MP Paul Rowen said: "I would definitely back new laws strengthening the support for young carers.

"This must come with adequate funding though to reflect the urgently-needed provision of services. I have long called for this Government to give more support to carers of all ages.

"I am pleased that our council is doing its best to provide support but it is clear that there needs to be sizable government support for our young people facing realities that they shouldn’t have to alone.

"If the government can spend billions on bonuses then they should dig deep and help our young people facing an intolerable situation."